It’s taken Yamaha a long time to create a new YZ250F after their brilliant debut back in 2001. Since then all they’ve done is to basically dress up the old girl with a large hat and hoped no one would notice. Well we did, so it makes us wonder if this all new 2014 YZ250F has just received a new hat and frock or does it come with a much-needed complete makeover?
Let it be known this motor will destroy the old ‘Blue’; its power is more potent, better controlled and way friskier. This rearward slanting engine, wrap-around pipe, fuel injected, four-valve head with increased compression stuff is rocket science (and I’m sure a very fascinating discussion point at the science fair) but could easily add up to whole a lot of ‘F-all’ if it didn’t work. Yes, it’s super powerful off the bottom, packs a Mike Tyson punch in the mid-range and can certainly rev. But it’s not just about that because, due to a massive mid-range improvement, you can charge into a corner in a higher gear than before and just blast out, using these new ratio gears to short shift at incredible speed. First time out, straight out the crate, this bike pulled the holeshot at a National motocross event - enough said.
So is the handling as good as the new motor? Well I may be shot for this, but I didn’t like the handling one bit. I would come into a corner, lay it over, climb out of the berm and shoot wide. I changed my body position and my riding style but nothing helped. I was perplexed. Rolling into the pits, forearms like a power lifter, sweat pouring out of every orifice, I thought, “this is hard work”, however, have you ever been the last one to catch the joke, be told good news and you feel like an idiot?
“So what do you think?” asked all the Yamaha faithful, grinning with pride. “Well, I don’t like the handling!” I said, rather sheepishly whist explaining my dilemma. “That’s because your handlebar clamps are in the rear position, move them to the forward position and you’ll have a new bike!” Well blow me over with a 12mm spanner and high-five chest bumps all round, they were right and now the bike is truly amazing! The front now claws for traction, sticks like jizz to a blanket and jumps like a hyperactive teenager at a rock concert. This is one surgically sharp bike that is a mega blast to ride! Who knew about those clamps, apparently everyone except me?
Now when compared to the 2013 model the new YZ250F is most certainly vastly improved due to the new and fanatical centralisation of its mass, everywhere. The bike feels more comfortable when you sit on it and the flat seat and rider compartment make it very easy to move around on. The hidden petrol cap is pure genius but very easy to use, all adding to the unique features and feel on this new Y-Zeee.
On the track the new chassis and suspension give the bike a lightweight feel that is more connected to the track than the ’13 machine. In the air, the bike is very light and easy to throw around, yet stays magically planted down rough straights or when entering corners – sweet ride man/dude!
Suspension action is also highly impressive, as expected by Yamaha’s high standards. The fat forks and shock work very well together with this 105kg bike and absorb small hits and hard landings with ease without being too harsh. Top notch! And for a retail price of R82,950 it seems to be a fair price for what you get – well I think so anyway.
In the end, even though I only had a few hours on the 2014 Yamaha YZ250F, I came away very impressed with its overall package and performance. When compared to the dated 2013 YZ250F, the new machine is one huge improvement and not just a hat and frock revamp. The handling is excellent, the motor is powerful with no bog anywhere, and the overall ergonomics are very comfortable for almost any sized rider. As a side note, this is a pro standard bike and has a bite that can intimidate a younger less experienced rider but, for me, I totally fell in love with the thing.
Bike available from www.centurionyamaha.co.za, also visit www.yamaha.co.za for more new exciting Yamaha models.
